doragon sports

Do-or-Die for Portugal: Can They Overcome Belgium and Hope for a Miracle Against Italy?

The final Group B clash of Euro 2025 sees Portugal Women facing Belgium Women in a high-stakes encounter. For Portugal, this is a must-win match to keep their slim qualification hopes alive, while already-eliminated Belgium will be playing for pride. With Portugal needing not just a victory but also a favorable result from the Spain…

Warren Smith
2–3 minutes

The final Group B clash of Euro 2025 sees Portugal Women facing Belgium Women in a high-stakes encounter. For Portugal, this is a must-win match to keep their slim qualification hopes alive, while already-eliminated Belgium will be playing for pride. With Portugal needing not just a victory but also a favorable result from the Spain vs. Italy game, the drama is set to unfold in Sion, Switzerland.

Portugal’s Uphill Battle for Qualification

Current Situation:
Portugal sits third in Group B with just 1 point, earned from a dramatic 1-1 draw against Italy, thanks to Diana Gomes’ late equalizer. However, their 5-0 thrashing by Spain leaves them with a goal difference of -5, making progression a monumental task.

Qualification Scenario:

  • Portugal must beat Belgium—anything less means elimination.
  • Italy must lose to Spain—a draw would end Portugal’s hopes regardless of their result.
  • Portugal must overturn a six-goal deficit against Italy (Italy: +1 GD, Portugal: -5).

In short, Portugal needs a win, a Spanish victory, and a goal avalanche to stand any chance.

Recent Form & Key Players:

  • Diana Gomes (scorer vs. Italy) and Diana Silva (Portugal’s all-time top scorer) will be crucial.
  • Kika Nazareth, the young midfield dynamo, could be key in unlocking Belgium’s defense.
  • Portugal’s Euro history is bleak—they’ve never progressed past the group stage (2017, 2022).

Team News:

  • Ana Borges is suspended (two yellows), likely replaced by Catarina Amado.
  • Coach Francisco Neto faces a tactical challenge—attack for goals or risk exposure at the back?

Belgium’s Pride at Stake

Elimination Confirmed:
Belgium’s Red Flames are already out, having lost 1-0 to Italy and 6-2 to Spain. Their fate was sealed when Italy drew with Portugal.

Motivation & Recent Struggles:

  • Playing for pride and to avoid a third straight defeat.
  • Conceded 16 goals in their last six games, showing defensive frailties.
  • Justine Vanhaevermaet & Hannah Eurlings (injured for this match) scored against Spain.

Key Threat:

  • Captain Tessa Wullaert (Inter Milan) is their star—she scored twice in Belgium’s 3-0 Nations League win over Portugal last month.

Coaching & Changes:

  • Under new coach Elisabet Gunnarsdóttir, Belgium is in a transitional phase after Yves Serneels’ departure.

Head-to-Head & Match Dynamics

  • Belgium leads 5-3 in past meetings, scoring in 7 of their 8 clashes.
  • Last month: Belgium won 3-0 (Nations League).
  • 2022 WCQ: Portugal won 2-1.

Expected Game Flow:
Portugal must attack, which could leave gaps for Belgium’s counter—especially with Wullaert’s threat. If Spain leads Italy early, Portugal may push even harder for goals.

Match Details

  • Date & Time: Friday, July 11, 2025, 9:00 PM (Swiss time) / 8:00 PM (BST/Lisbon).
  • Venue: Stade De Tourbillon, Sion, Switzerland.
  • Referee: Tess Olofsson (Sweden).
  • Broadcast: BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport, FOX Sports.

Prediction

Portugal will win 2-1, but their fate depends on Spain beating Italy. If Italy holds Spain, Portugal’s efforts will be in vain. Expect drama till the final whistle!

Final Thought:
For Portugal, it’s not just about winning—it’s about hoping for a Spanish miracle. Belgium, meanwhile, will look to end their campaign on a high. A night of tension awaits!

Sources: [1-39] (All details derived from provided references.)

Trending